John Forster (Chief Justice)

John Forster (1668 – 2 July 1720) was an Irish lawyer and politician.

Background

Forster was born in Dublin, the son of Richard Forster and his wife Anne Webber. His father sat in the Irish House of Commons for Swords and came from a family long associated with the Dublin business community.

Career

Forster served as Recorder of Dublin from 1701 to 1714, and represented Dublin City in the Irish House of Commons from 1703 to 1715. He was Solicitor-General for Ireland in 1709 and Attorney-General for Ireland from Christmas Eve 1709 to 1711, before being raised to the Bench as Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas on 20 September 1714.^[1]

Elrington Ball described Forster as "a sound lawyer and impressive speaker" but lacking in political judgment.^[2] Like Alan Brodrick, 1st Viscount Midleton, his mentor, he was stubborn and hot-tempered. His tenure as Recorder of Dublin saw a major conflict between the aldermen of Dublin and the Privy Council; Forster was entirely on the side of the aldermen and for this was violently attacked by Jonathan Swift and other critics. These attacks undoubtedly took their toll, and it is believed he exchanged the Recordership for the position of Chief Justice on the understanding that the more senior position would in practice be less onerous.

Family

Forster married firstly Rebecca Monck, and secondly Anne Evans, sister of George Evans, 1st Baron Carbery. His daughter Anne married the celebrated philosopher George Berkeley, Bishop of Cloyne. He died following a stroke at his home, Clonshagh, Santry.

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